A method of producing a quantum dot comprising zinc selenide, the method comprising: providing an organic ligand mixture comprising a carboxylic acid compound, a primary amine compound, a secondary amide compound represented by Chemical Formula 1, and a first organic solvent: RCONHR  Chemical Formula 1 wherein each R is as defined herein; heating the organic ligand mixture in an inert atmosphere at a first temperature to obtain a heated organic ligand mixture; adding a zinc precursor, a selenium precursor, and optionally a tellurium precursor to the heated organic ligand mixture to obtain a reaction mixture, wherein the zinc precursor does not comprise oxygen; and heating the reaction mixture at a first reaction temperature to synthesize a first semiconductor nanocrystal particle.